Hair styling iron with raised fins

ABSTRACT

An electrically powered, heated flat iron  1  has a first handle  2  and a second handle  3  joined by a hinge  4 . An upper plate  6  is attached to the first handle  2 , and a lower plate  7  is attached to the second handle  3 . The upper plate has a groove  8  that extends generally longitudinally. The lower plate  7  has a set of raised ridges  9 , the ridges  9  being aligned in a longitudinally extending row along the lower plate  7  so that the row is aligned with the groove  8.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to hand held hair styling devices and, more particularly, to hair styling devices having heated plates.

2. Description of Related Art

Various known hair styling irons have heated, flat plates. Certain flat irons have non-flat heated surfaces comprising one or more of raised contours, grooves, pins, and channels. While each has a specialized purpose, such as shaping hair in a particular way, or detangling hair, none provide optimal performance for simultaneously straightening hair, detangling hair, and delivering maximum heat transfer. For example, designs that have mere pins or bristle-like protrusions effectively comb through hair, and in some instances detangle the hair, yet the pins are poor heat conductors and, therefore, do little to transfer heat. The result is that the heat transfer is almost entirely limited to surfaces of the flat iron surfaces that directly contact the hair. Furthermore, pins, particularly if a relatively large number are employed, have a tendency to get stuck in tangled hair and are difficult to pull through, particularly without causing discomfort.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a heated styling iron that achieves straightening, detangling, and optimum heat transfer in a manner that overcomes the shortcomings described above.

These and other objects are achieved by the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

According to the present invention, a heated styling iron having two opposed heated surfaces hingedly connected achieves straightening, detangling, and optimum heat transfer by utilizing on one flat heated surface a row of fin-like raised ridges that are spaced apart longitudinally in a single row and that are oriented so that the longer dimension of the fin-like ridges are aligned generally transverse to the longitudinal axis. Thus, as the iron is pulled through the hair the ridges guide the hair along their longer dimensions. The opposing flat heated surface has a channel or groove that extends longitudinally in a manner so that it complementarily receives the row of ridges when the heated surfaces are closed against each other. The sizing and shape of the groove is optimized to receive the ridges while the heated surfaces are closing around a lock of hair.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heated iron according to the present invention, including additional partial views showing various components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

A heated flat iron 1 according to the present invention includes a first member 2 and a second member 3 joined by a hinge 4. An electrical cord 5 extends therefrom for providing electrical energy from an external source. An upper plate 6 is attached to the first member 2, and a lower plate 7 is attached to the second member 3. The upper plate comprises a groove 8 that extends generally longitudinally. The lower plate 7 includes a set of raised ridges 9, each ridge 9 having a length L, a thickness T, and a height H, where L is greater than T. The ridges 9 are aligned in a longitudinally extending row along the lower plate 7 so that the row is aligned with the groove 8. Each ridge 9 is oriented so that its length L is transverse to the longitudinally extending row. The row of ridges may be made on a secondary plate that is inlaid into the lower plate 7, or the ridges may be integrally formed therewith.

Conventional electric heat elements provide heat to either or both plates 6, 7. Conventional control buttons and dials are used to control settings including heat settings. Various surfaces may be treated, coated or comprised of ceramics, tourmaline, non-metals and other materials. Ion generators and far infra red generators may be included. The iron 1 may be vented for wet and dry applications, it may have a steam generator and fluid reservoir, and it may be fitted with a fan for blowing air.

While a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described herein, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. 

1. An appliance for styling hair, said appliance comprising an upper plate attached to a first member; a lower plate attached to a second member; a hinge pivotally connecting said first member and said second member; a heat element associated with one or both of said first and second members and being adapted to be selectively actuated to heat a respective plate associated with said first or second member; a groove extending generally longitudinally along said upper plate; a set of raised ridges extending from said lower plate in a generally linear row and aligned with said groove so that when said first member is in contact with said second member, said ridges enter said groove, each ridge having a length L, a thickness T, and a height H, where L is greater than T and each ridge 9 is oriented so that its length L is transverse to the longitudinally extending row.
 2. An appliance according to claim 1, wherein said ridges are integrally formed with said lower plate.
 3. An appliance according to claim 1, wherein said ridges are integrally formed on a secondary plate that is attached to said lower plate. 